French-born scientist Felix-Archimede Pouchet was a biologist and popular science writer, and a leading proponent of spontaneous generation. While Pouchet contributed widely to advancing biological concepts, he is most widely remembered for his defeat in the widely known debates with Pasteur.

Pouchet was born in Rouen, France, the son of a successful industrialist. Pouchet he became interested in biology at a young age, and graduated from the University of Rouen in 1827. At 27, he became director of the Museum of Natural History at Rouen, and stayed at that institution for the remainder of his life. Pouchet also taught in Rouen at the academy and the school of medicine, where he received many honors including the Legion of Honor in 1843.

Pouchet was a successful author who contributed widely to the literature of biology. He was recognized as a friend and supporter of Charles Darwin and his ideas of natural selection...